SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Mayor Paul TenHaken today announced the appointment of Mike Grigsby as the City’s next Director of Innovation and Technology. Grigsby will oversee the divisions of Innovation, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Information Technology, and Communications and Marketing.
“Mike will be an incredible asset for the people of Sioux Falls and I’m thrilled to add him to my leadership team,” said TenHaken. “As an innovator and thought leader with a people-focused mindset, the City is fortunate to add Mike to our ranks to help drive the One Sioux Falls framework and the City’s priorities.”
Grigsby brings a robust background to the City including military, law enforcement, municipal government, and private-sector experience.
He joins the City from Cisco Systems, Inc., where he served as an engagement leader in their Smart+Connected Communities practice for North America.
As part of a global team, Grigsby worked with municipalities and communities to develop smart city strategies and digital solutions. Before joining Cisco, he served the City of Kansas City, Missouri, as commander of the Information Services Division for the Kansas City Police Department and as Chief Information Officer for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority. In those roles, he oversaw the organizations’ technology efforts and was critical in developing and implementing innovation strategies.
While with the City of Kansas City, Grigsby was appointed by the mayor to the Smart City Advisory Board.
The advisory board provided strategic oversight for all of Kansas City’s Smart City projects. In addition to his work with Cisco, he serves on the CompTIA Smart City Advisory Council, Kansas City Tech Council Board of Directors, and advisor to the University Innovation Fellows at William Jewell College.
Grigsby is a frequent keynote speaker on a variety of subjects including Smart Cities, Digital Transformation, Leadership, and Change Management.
A thought leader in digital citizenry, Grigsby is an advocate and champion for Smart City Solutions, Public Safety Technology, Digital Equity and Inclusion, and Transportation Innovation.
A U.S. Air Force veteran with undergraduate studies in engineering and information systems, Grigsby also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Mike and his wife Mara have three children and two grandchildren.
They are relocating to Sioux Falls with their youngest daughter Maleah.
“I am ecstatic for this opportunity! I have a great connection to the city—being my wife’s hometown—and I believe cities like Sioux Falls will be the clear front runners in the next evolution of smart and innovative cities,” said Grigsby.
“The city has been on a growth trend for a number of years and now is the moment to capitalize on that trend and deliver even more meaningful impacts for the city and citizens alike.
I look forward to joining a great leadership team and amazing staff who have already generated incredible momentum for the city. I’m both honored and humbled by the opportunity to not only serve the community of Sioux Falls but to help the city become a shining example as one of the best cities in the nation.”
Grigsby’s appointment requires the advice and consent of the City Council, which will be presented at the March 17, 2020, Council Meeting.
(Source: City of Sioux Falls.)
